Project reference number : 92886 (Micro- Capital Grant / UNDP)
The objective of the Campaign for Sound National Policies was to develop policy outlines and formulate evidence based policies to the Government as a guide to decision making. The Campaign organized a 3-day Workshop. The main purpose of the workshops held at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute was to obtain an in-depth consultation and to develop guidelines on the Formation of the New Cabinet as requested by the Head of State. Former Secretaries of Ministries, currently serving Civil Servants, retired civil servants, Academia, members of the civil society and interested citizens were also involved in developing this document through participatory, workshops. The ideas shared by participants were further developed by a prominent research institute based in Colombo on a voluntary basis.
The event secured the participation of HE the President as the Chief Guest. This was significant as the President’s approval and blessings provided formal recognition for the programme and provided courage and purpose for the stakeholders to engage in deliberations over 3 days, knowing that there is a possibility of accepting and implementing findings by the decision makers. Sound national policy frameworks were formulated on selected 24 key subject areas. These Policy Frameworks were published for dissemination. The uniqueness of the exercise was that all different sectors getting involved in the policy formulation contributing not only hands on experiences but also knowledge, professionalism and expertise. The final publication was circulated widely as an attempt to guide the formation of the next cabinet and setting up of ministries on a logical basis.
As a result of the meeting CSNP had with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a committee consisting of ministry officials were formed to look into preparing a policy framework on external affairs and the committee had met three times during the last six months. The government had embarked on preparing a policy framework for the education sector and several members of CSNP are invited to share their ideas and proposals in this larger forum. The government has also initiated discussions on reconciliation.
